Wireless network-compatible microwave oven for aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a power supply for a microwave oven designed for use on-board an aircraft and that is configured to deliver power to the microwave magnetron in such a way as to avoid interference with Wi-Fi networks. Output from the power supply to the microwave oven is modulated and optimized by lowering the time period that the power is delivered (e.g., into short bursts), but increasing the actual current that is delivered.

1 . A power supply module for use with a microwave oven on-board an aircraft, comprising:
 (a) a power converter configured to accept incoming aircraft power and convert the incoming power to controllable high frequency power;   (b) a pulser configured to convert the high frequency power to a lower duty cycle; and   (c) a power amplifier to supply a greater than normal amount of non-continuous outgoing power over bursts of time.   
     
     
         2 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply module is installed in a microwave that is designed for use on-board an aircraft. 
     
     
         3 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the lower duty cycle comprises about a 50% duty cycle, such that the power is on about 50% of the time and off about 50% of the time. 
     
     
         4 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the greater than normal amount of power supplied is about twice the normal amount of power required by a microwave magnetron. 
     
     
         5 . The power supply module of  claim 4 , wherein the power delivered to the magnetron is at about 500 mA 
     
     
         6 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the power supplied employs 5-100 millisecond bursts over a 10-200 millisecond period. 
     
     
         7 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the power is supplied in 6-8 millisecond bursts over 16 millisecond cycles. 
     
     
         8 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply module mimics the behavior of a power supply of a domestic microwave oven. 
     
     
         9 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply module supplies power to a magnetron of the microwave oven. 
     
     
         10 . The power supply module of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply module is positioned in direct communication with the microwave oven on-board an aircraft. 
     
     
         11 . An aircraft galley comprising a microwave oven of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A method for delivering power to a microwave oven on-board an aircraft, comprising:
 (a) converting the incoming aircraft power to a controllable high frequency power;   (b) pulsing the high frequency power at a lower duty cycle; and   (c) delivering a greater than normal amount of non-continuous, outgoing power over bursts of time.